TOUCHSTONE  HOUSES 


Fifty«Six  Houses 

Planned  to  Help  Solve 

The  Servant  Problem 


Published  by  THE  TOUCHSTONE  MAGAZINE 

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FIFTY-SIX  HOUSES 

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Xn  every  issue  of  the  Touchstone 
Magazine  are  two  houses  designed 
in  our  own  Architectural  Depart¬ 
ment  to  lighten  housework.  These 
houses  are  planned  for  comfort  and 
beauty^. 

Every  yearly  subscriber  to  the  mag¬ 
azine  is  entitled  to  full  working  draw¬ 
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The  TOUCHSTONE  MAGAZINE 

Mary  Fanton  Roberts,  Editor 

1  West  47th  Street  New  York  City 


Garden 
Gatczi'oy 
I  of 

Touchstone 
House 
X  0  1 7 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


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HOUSE 

No. 

I 

HOUSE 

No. 

2 

HOUSE 

No. 

3 

HOUSE 

No. 

4 

HOUSE 

No. 

5 

HOUSE 

No. 

6 

HOUSE 

No. 

7 

HOUSE 

No. 

8 

HOUSE 

No. 

9 

HOUSE 

No. 

10 

HOUSE 

No. 

II 

HOUSE 

No. 

12 

HOUSE 

No. 

13 

HOUSE 

No. 

14 

HOUSE 

No. 

17 

HOUSE 

No. 

15 

HOUSE 

No. 

16 

HOUSE 

No. 

18 

HOUSE 

No. 

t9 

HOUSE 

No. 

20 

HOUSE 

No. 

21 

HOUSE 

No. 

22 

HOUSE 

No. 

23 

HOUSE 

No. 

24 

HOUSE 

No. 

25 

HOUSE 

No. 

26 

TTOUSE 

No. 

27 

HOUSE 

No. 

28 

Stone  House  with  Slate  or  Shingle  Roof  Planned  to 

Face  the  South  . 

Six  Room  Bungalow  of  Wood  for  a  Suburban  or 

Country  Lot . 

Dutch  Colonial  House  on  Old  Lines  but  with 

Alodern  Floor  Plan  . 

Two  Story  House  of  Stucco  and  Hollow  Tile  with 

Porch  Front  and  Rear  . . 

House  of  Tapestry  Brick  with  Slate  Roof  and  Sleep¬ 
ing  Porch . 

Bungalow  or  Summer  Camp  with  Dining  Nook  in 

Kitchen . 

Metal  Lath  or  Hollow  Tile  with  Stucco,  Designed 

for  Narrow  Lot . 

Summer  Camp  to  be  Built  of  Clap-Boards  or  Logs, 

with  Novel  Porch  .  . . 

Hollow  Tile  and  Concrete  House  along  Spanish 

Lines  for  East  or  West . 

Two-Bedroom  House  Designed  to  be  Erected  at 

Lowest  Possible  Cost . 

Servantless  House  of  Metal  Lath  and  Stucco  with 

Shingle-Thatch  Roof . 

Country  Home  of  Stone  and  Half-Timber  Construc¬ 
tion,  with  Loggia . 

Five  Room  Bungalow  with  Shingle-1  hatch  Roof  and 

Sleeping  Porch . 

Colonial  House  with  Hall  on  One  vSide  and  Ideal 

Floor  Plan . 

Hollow  Tile  and  Concrete  with  Ploor  Plan  Well 

Designed  for  Comfort . 

Servantless  Cottage  of  Metal  Lath  and  Stucco  for 

Suburban  Lot . 

House  Without  Stairs  of  Five  R.ooms  for  Narrow 

Lot . 

Small  Country  Home  Planned  for  \Voman  who  does 

Her  Own  Work . 

Stucco  and  Stone  House  Designed  for  a  Hill  Side  . 
Tapestry  Brick  House  for  a  Level  Lot  with  Practical 

Floor  Plan . 

House  and  Garage  of  Stucco  Designed  for  a  Fifty 

Foot  Lot . 

Tavo  Story  House  of  Field  Stone  for  a  Small  Family  . 
W  orkingman’s  Cottage  Convertable  into  a  Two- 

Unit  Flouse . 

Two-Family  Workingman’s  House  of  Metal  Lath 

and  Stucco  . 

Moutain  Bungalow  of  W  ood  witli  Sleeping  Niches 

for  Extra  Guests . 

Duplex  Studio  Home  with  Kitchenette,  Dining 

Room  and  Bath . 

Small  Shop-Home  for  Returned  Soldiers  or  Craft 

WTrkers . 

House  with  Small  Shop  in  Front  for  Men  who  Work 
at  Home . 


7 

8 

9 

10 

1 1 


12 


18 

U 


15 


1 6 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 


24 

25 

26 

27 

28. 

29 


30 

.p 

32 

33 

34 


Page  Four 


CONTENTS 


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HOUSE  No.  29 

HOUSE  No.  30 

HOUSE  No.  31 

HOUSE  No.  32 

HOUSE  No.  33 

HOUSE  No.  34 

HOUSE  No.  35 

HOUSE  No.  36 

HOUSE  No.  37 

HOUSE  No.  38 

HOUSE  No.  39 

HOUSE  No.  40 

HOUSE  No.  41 
HOUSE  No.  42 

HOUSE  No.  43 

HOUSE  No.  44 

HOUSE  No.  45 

HOUSE  No.  46 

HOUSE  No.  47 

HOUSE  No.  48 

HOUSE  No.  49 

HOUSE  No.  50 

HOUSE  No.  51 

HOUSE  No.  52 

HOUSE  No.  53 

HOUSE  No.  54 

HOUSE  No.  55 

HOUSE  No.  56 


I4ctures(iue  Stone  House  of  Great  Dignity  and  Ef¬ 
ficient  Floor  Plan . . 

Servantless  Cottage  of  Five  Rooms  and  Living 

I^orch . 

Log  Cabin  for  Summer  or  W  inter  Living,  with  Out 

Door  Living  Room . 

Cottage  for  Woman  who  Prefers  to  do  Without  a 

Servant  . 

.Stucco  House  with  Shingle  Roof:  Economical  to 

Build  and  a  Good  In\'estment . 

Picturesque  Bungalow  on  Spanish  Lines  Suitable 

for  East  or  West . 

Brick  Homestead  in  Shades  of  Brown  with  Brown 

Woodwork . 

Garden  Entrance  of  House  Built  of  Fieldstone, 

Cement  and  Wood . 

Country  Home  with  Large  Living  Room  Designed 

for  Corner  Lot . 

Small  Stone  House  with  a  Sense  of  Space,  Built  to 

Last  for  Generations . . 

Bung'alow  of  Stone  and  Stucco  witli  Convenient 

Floor  Plan . .  . 

Servantless  House  of  WWod  with  Living  and  Din¬ 
ing  Room  in  One . 

Cement  Studio  Home  Designed  for  a  Side  Hill  . 
Small  Stone  Studio  for  Craftsman  or  Artist,  with 

Kitchen  and  Bath . ♦.  .  . 

House  and  Garage  of  Hollow  Tile  for  Fifty  Foot 

Lot,  with  Sun  room . 

Servantless  Cottage  of  WWod  with  Central  Hall  and 

Large  Living  Room . 

House  of  Gray  Stone  for  W  oman  who  Does  her 

Own  W^ork . 

Hollow  Tile  and  Stucco  House  with  Garage  Entered 

from  Side  . . 

House  of  Rough  or  Pressed  Brick  for  Small  Servant¬ 
less  Family . 

Cottage  of  Stone  with  Cemient  Face  in  which 

Colored  Tile  Could  be  Set . 

House  and  Garage  with  Interesting  Sunroom  and 

Sleeping  Porch . . . 

Bungalow  with  Large  Living  Room  Designed  for 

a  W^ Oman’s  Comfort . .  . 

Two-Story  Servantless  House  of  Stucco  and  Metal 

Lath  on  Frame . 

Bungalow  of  Stucco  and  Metal  Lath  on  Frame  for 

Woman  who  Does  Her  Own  Work . 

Servantless  House  on  Colonial  I.ines  Designed 

for  Easy  Housework . 

Bungalow  with  Charming  Floor  Plans,  of  Stucco  on 

Lath . 

Log  Cabin  for  Summer  Camp  or  Home  for  Returned 

Soldier . 

Small  Summer  Camp  of  Logs,  or  Home  for  Re¬ 
turned  Fighter  . 


35 

30 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

4.6 

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48 

49 

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52 

53 

54 

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60 
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Page  Five 


¥ 


A  merica  and  the  Housing  Problem 


merica  Needs  More  Small  Houses.  Every  State 
in  the  Union  would  like  a  few  thousand.  Every  Amer¬ 
ican  city^  town  and  village  is  running  short. 

It  is  to  help  supply  this  demand  that  we  are  publish¬ 
ing  THE  TOUCHSTONE  BOOK  OE  HOMES— a 
beautiful  book  with  lifty-six  wash  drawings  of  Touch¬ 
stone  Houses,  with  floor  plans,  with  hints  for  the 
garden  and  a  very  practical  offer  tor  securing  the 
blue  prints  of  these  Houses  free. 


Touchstone  Houses  are  designed  to  meet  America’s 
immediate  need  of  Small  Houses  that  are  Beautiful, 
Practical  and  Economical.  The  most  vital  problem 
of  homemaking  and  housekeeping  are  met  in  the 
floor  plans  of  these  H  omes. 


We  believe  that  The  Architect  must  solve  the  Servant 
Problem,  and  so  we  design  our  Touchstone  Houses 
to  make  housework  easy.  At  the  same  time  we  de¬ 
sign  them  so  that  cultivated  men  and  women  of 
moderate  incomes  will  enjoy  life  in  them.  ^ 

We  plan  every  house  for  one  big  living  room,  for  an 
open  fire,  for  cozy  bedrooms,  convenient  bath  and  a 
‘‘miracle  kitchen”,  that  makes  housework  easy. 

The  Touchstone  Architectural  Department  gives  ad¬ 
vice  to  people  using  Touchstone  House  plans.  The 
blue  prints  of  Touchstone  House  plans  are  sent  out 
ready  to  put  into  the  builders’  hands. 

America’s  great  need  today  is  more  homes.  THE 
TOUCHSTONE  has  fifty-six  different  kinds  of 
beautiful,  practical  designs  ready  to  help  meet  this  need. 


Stone  House  with  Slate  or  Shingle  Roof  Planned  to  Face  the  South 


Touchstone  House  No,  i 


0'6>12' 

f  1 

4 

DINING  ROOM 


■  I 


O  tone  house  of 
great  dignity  plan¬ 
ned  to  face  the  south, 
with  a  sun  room  and 
sleeping  deck  above 
it.  The  plan  is  con¬ 
venient  the  construc¬ 
tion  permanent  and 
silhouette  picture¬ 
sque.  It  could  be 
built  in  pressed  or  tapestry  brick 
or  concrete  if  preferred.  The 
kitchen  has  been  arranged'  so 
that  work  can  be  done  easily  by  the 
mistress  of  the  house.  There  are 
two  bedrooms  in  addition  to  the 
large  master’s  room  on  the  second 
floor,  with  abundance  of  closets  and 
a  bath.  Woodwork  on  the  outside  of 
the  house  should  be  stained  instead 
of  painted  and  a  terrace  could  ex¬ 
tend  from  the  end  of  the  dining 
room  across  the  front  of  the  house 
to  the  end  of  the  sun  room.  Blue 
prints  ready  to  put  into  hands  of 
builder  show  four  elevations,  first  and 
second  floor  plans,  basement  and  sheet 
of  details.  Whoever  builds  this  or 
any  other  house  in  the  book  is  entitled 
to  architectural  department  service. 


Page  Seven 


Six  Room  Bungalow  of  Wood  for  a  Suburban  or  County  Lot 


Touchstone  House  No.  2 


A  house  without  stairs  to  be  built  in  the 
suburbs  or  out  in  the  country.  Floor  plan  is 
divided  into  three  distinct  sections  to  facilitate 
housework  and  isolate  bedrooms  from  kitchen 
and  living  rooms.  Each  room  is  well  ven¬ 
tilated.  Closets  are  aired  and  lighted  by 
windows,  kitchen  is  completely  equipped  and 
working  furniture  arranged  for  the  greatest 
ease  of  house  work.  The  front 
porch  could  be  enclosed  in  glass  for 
winter  sun  room.  Kitchen  porch 
could  be  enlarged  for  outdoor  din¬ 
ing  room  if  desired.  Bungalow  is 
made  of  clapboards  for  the  house 
is  designed  to  be  constructed  as  in¬ 
expensively  as  possible,  but  shingles 
could  be  used  instead  if  preferred. 
By  converting  the  maid’s  room  into 
a  den  for  a  boy  or  girl,  this  house 
would  make  a  delightful  summer 
camp  for  a  family  of  three.  It  then  could  be  entered  directly 
through  the  kitchen  doorway  thus  preventing  tracking  of  clean 
swept  rooms  by  muddy  or  wet  shoes  and  clothing.  Vine  planting 
should  l3e  done  on  lattice  against  the  house  to  prevent  decay. 


1 1-0“ 

■4 

mm 

io»ir 

]  1 

Page  Eight 


i 


Dutch  Colonial  House  on  Old  Lines  but  with  Modern  Floor  Plan 


Touchstone  House  No.  j 


T 


his  small  servantless 
house  built  on  Dutch 
Colonial  lines  especially 
suitable  for  erec¬ 
tion  in  the  East. 


OTICEYAB 


Kitchen  is  so  arranged  that  work 
can  be  efficiently  done  and  the 
tradesman  entrance  to  it  is  through 
a  lovely  vine  clad  arbor.  Service 
yard  to  be  enclosed  in  lattice.  Per¬ 
gola  can  be  extended  to  end  of 
porch  if  wanted  which  would  give 
a  fine  out  door  living  room.  The 
large  hallway  with  the  wide  doors 
opening  on  either  side  into  dining 
room  and  living  room  converts  the 
three  practically  into  one  room. 
This  sense  of  space  niay  be  further 
increased  by  the  use  of  one  dec¬ 
orative  scheme  throughout  the  first 
floor. 


The  interior  is  modern  in  ever}^ 
respect.  There  is  sunlight  in  the 
kitchen  as  well  as  in  the  living 
room.  Floors  are  of  hard  wood; 
furniture  to  be  of  the  simplest. 
Rooms  have  been  condensed  yet 
give  an  effect  of  space.  Hall  runs 
directly  through  as  in  early  models. 
House  should  be  painted  white 
with  green  shutters. 


Page  Nine 


Two  Story  House  of  Stucco  and  Hollow  Tile  with  Porch  in  Front  and  Rear 


Touchstone  House  No.  4 


This  house  is  of  fire-proof  construction  and 
has  a  porch  both  front  and  rear.  Living  and 
dining  room  can  be  practically  one  by  leaving 
large  arch-way  in  between.  This  could  be 


converted  into  a  servantless  house  by  omitting 
the  bath  room  out  of  the  maid’s  room  thus 
turning  it  into  one  large  room  for  a  member 
of  the  family.  Back  porch  could  be  convert¬ 
ed  into  a  service  yard  if  desired. 


Page  Ten 


House  of  Tapestry  Brick  with  Slate  Roof  and  Sleeping  Porch 


Touchstone  House  No.  5 


<=>  ■ 


developed  in  stone  or  ce¬ 
ment  if  preferred  for  lines 
are  equally  good  for  any 
permanent  material.  Roof 
could  be  built  of  shingles, 
asbestos,  slate  or  tile.  Such 
a  house  should  be  built  to 
last  generations,  therefore, 
only  the  best  class  plumb¬ 
ing  and  heating  systems 
should  be  installed.  Grace 
has  been  obtained  for  this 
dignified  substantial  house 
by  recessed  doorway  and 
use  of  arch  in  porch. 


ouse  of  pressed  or 
tapestry  brick.  Roof  of 
tile  or  shingles.  Closet 
in  every  room,  plumbing 
of  kitchen  and  bath  cen¬ 
tered.  Sleeping  porch 
entered  from  two  bed¬ 
rooms.  Fireplace  in  nook 
off  sitting  room  with  seats 
and  book  shelves  on  either 
side.  Porch  be  enclosed 
if  desired.  Roof  slightly 
rolled  over  one  of  the 
windows  to  give  graceful 
line.  This  house  could  be 


Page  Eleven 


Bungalow  or  Summer  Camp  with  Dining  Nook  in  Kitchen 


Touchstone  House  No.  6 


dining  nook  just  out  of 

the  kitchen,  planned  for  economical  construction.  Fire¬ 
place  is  in  the  corner  of  the  living  room.  A  passage 
way  gives  seclusion  to  the  bedrooms.  Living  and  dining 


room  are  in  one.  Windows  so  placed 
in  wall  that  furniture  can  be  arranged 
to  best  advantage.  Flower  boxes  can 
be  placed  on  porch  rail  if  wanted. 
House  can  be  painted  white  with  green 
roof  or  in  shades  of  gray.  If  the 
owner  wished,  the  floor  of  the  porch 
could  be  set  with  soft  colored  tiles  to 
carry  out  the  color  scheme  of  the 
roof.  The  inside,  however,  should 
be  decorated  in  bright  tones  giving  a 
sense  of  cheer  and  sunlight.  If  this 
house  were  built  in  the  East,  wood¬ 
bine  or  clematis  would  grow  rapidly 
if  the  soil  were  cultivated  properly. 
If  vines  are  planted, 
train  them  on  a  lat¬ 
tice  separate  from 
but  close  to  the  house 
in  order  Ito  (prevent 
wood  decay.  Path 
could  be  of  gravel, 
set  with  brick ;  and 
care  taken  of  rain 
seepage. 


Page  Twelve 


Metal  Lath  or  Hollow  Tile  with  Stucco,  Designed  for  Narrow  Lot 


Touchstone  House  No.  7 


This  house  was  designed  to  be 
erected  on  a  narrow  lot.  Though 
simple  in  outline  it  looks  homelike 
because  of  the  pergola  porch 
and  presence  of  vines  which 
should  be  trained  on  lattice. 
Pergola  porch  could  be  enclosed 
in  glass  for  winter  sunroom  if 
wanted.  There  are  three  bed¬ 
rooms  upstairs  and  a  sleeping 
porch.  The  pergola  porch  at 
the  back  could  be  decked  over 
to  form  another  sleeping  porch. 
Arrangement  of  rooms  so  con¬ 
venient  that  mistress  of  house 
could  do  without  a  servant. 
This  is.  distinctly  a  friendly 
house  and  one  that  would  be  at 
home  in  the  heart  of  a  village, 
the  soft  stucco  tones  and  har¬ 
monious  roofline  blending  with 
any  type  of  neighboring  struc¬ 
ture. 


TOXC W  ■ 


— ^ 


Slimmer  Camp  to  Be  Built  of  Clapboards  or  Logs,  with  Novel  Porch 


Touchstone  House  No.  8 


f  1 
1  f 

ip 

If 

.S'! 

^J-  his  house  though  shown  of  clap¬ 
boards  would  be  more  attractive  if 
constructed  of  logs.  The  rooms  are 


large  for  a  camp  yet  so  arranged  that  no  space 
is  lost  nor  unnecessary  walls  used  to  add  to  expense. 
Bedrooms  and  bath  completely  separated  from  the 
rest  of  the  house  which  assures  quiet.  There  is  a 
large  fireplace  in  one  end  of  the  living  room  with  seats 
at  each  side.  Corner  of  the  living  room  is  cut  ofif  and 
the  columns  of  the  porch  so  arranged  that  an  un¬ 
obstructed  view  can  be  had  from  the  room.  By  build¬ 
ing  the  chimney  on  outside  of  house  there  is  a  chance 
for  an  outdoor  fireplace  which  would  form  a  most 
attractive  and  unusual  feature.  If  house  is  made  of 
clapboard's  the  columns  of  porch  should  be  rough  saw¬ 
ed  or  adzed.  If  of  logs  then  columns  must  be  of  logs. 
If  this  house  is  used  as  winter  quarters  as  well,  heat¬ 
ing  plant  can  be  installed  in  basement.  If  it  is  used 
only  as  summer  camp  and  most  economical  construc¬ 
tion  demanded,  then,  walls  separating 
rooms  can  be  built  up  to  within  three 
feet  of  ceiling.  This  is  often  done  in 
summer  camps  for  it  gives  greater 
ventilation  and  saves  cost  of  building. 


Hollow  Tile  and  Concrete  House  Along  Spanish  Lines,  for  East  or  West 


Touchstone  House  No.  9 


M. 


oderate  size  house  with  the  romantic  beauty  of 
the  old  California  Spanish  house  with  comfort  of 
the  best  new  domestic  architecture.  The  repeating 
of  the  arch  over  the  windows  and  the 
curving  of  the  roof  are  particularly  in¬ 
teresting.  The  arrangement  of  the 
k'itchen  and  dining  room,  occupying  one 
end  and  with  the  living  room  jutting  out 
from  the  dining  room  gives  a  condensed 
working  scheme  as  well  as  a  pleasing 
vista  upon  entering  the  hall.  Kitchen  is 
well  ventilated.  The  three  bedrooms  and 
bath  are  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  house  to 
give  seclusion.  Windows  should  be  indented  as 
shown  on  blue  prints  of  elevation.  Blue  prints  also 
show  that  entire  face  of  end  of  house  should  be 
roughly  stipled  to  give  interesting  texture.  Chimney  should 
be  built  as  shown  in  drawing  for  that  is  characteristic  of  the 
vSpanish  architecture.  Porch  can  be  roofed  instead  of  built 
in  pergola  effect  as  shown.  Big  leafed  vines  such  as  grape 
should  be  chosen  to  grow  over  porch.  A  suggestion  sketch 
of  garden  accompanies  blue  prints,  if  requested.  This  house 
is  particularly  interesting  if  developed  in  detail.  It  has  been 
most  carefully  worked  out  according  to  Spanish  type  of  archi¬ 


tecture.  With  the 
blue  prints  may  be 
had  any  advice 
from  the  architect¬ 
ural  and  interior 
decorating  depart¬ 
ments  as  to  con¬ 
struction,  heating 
plants,  paints, 
varnishes  and 
furnishings. 


Page  Fifteen 


Two-Bedroom  House  Designed  to  Be  Erected  at  Lowest  Possible  Cost 


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Touchstone  House  No.  lo 


servantless  house  to  be  built  at  the  least  possible  cost  consistent 
with  comfort.  The  plan  is  the  simplest  yet  is  complete.  Entrance  is 
direct  into  living  room  from  porch.  Living  and  dining  room  are  prac¬ 
tically  one  which  gives  the  house  a  sense  of  spacious¬ 
ness  not  generally  seen  on  so  small  a  plan.  The  two 
bedrooms,  bathroom  and  kitchen  are  entered  through  a 
small  hall  which  separates  them  from  the  body  of  the 
house  and  thus  gives  them  quiet  and  seclusion.  Kitchen 
is  planned  to  allow  the  most  efficient  placing  of  range, 
dresser,  sink  and  table.  Sink  is  on  the  outside  of 
room  beneath  a  group  of  windows  and  range  in  an 
inner  wall,  as  is  advised  by  kitchen  experts.  There 
is  a  generous  pantry  well  equipped  with  shelves  and 
the  ice  box  is  to  be  kept  in  this  room.  There  is  also 
a  small  service  porch.  One  great  advantage  in  having 
the  sink  and  drainboard  close  to  the  dining  room  door 
is  that  the  woman  who  does  her  own  work  will  not 
have  to  carry  the  dishes  so  far  in  clearing  the  table. 
This  could  be  even  more  facilitated  by  the  use  of  a  small  serving  table 
on  wheels  on  which  the  soiled  dishes  of  each  course  could  be  piled  and 
wheeled  to  the  drainboard,  thus  making  one  trip  instead  of  many. 
Windows  have  been  so  placed  as  to  secure  the  utmost  sunshine  and  air  circulation.  At  night  the 
door  could  be  closed  and  locked  leading  from  hall  into  the  living  room,  and,  by  leaving  the  doors 
of  bedrooms  and  bath  open  a  circulation  at  night  could  be  obtained  for  the  sleepers. 


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Page  Sixteen 


Servantless  House  of  Metal  Lath  a»d  Stucco  with  Shingle-Thatch  Roof 


Touchstone  House  No.  ii 


A  practical,  servantless  house  in  which  the  work  can  be  done 
with  ease  and  in  comfort.  The  living  and  the  dining  room 
are  practically  thrown  into  one,  for  the  hall  that  separates  them 
is  not  closed  away  by  doors.  A  feature  of  living  room  is  the 
bay  window  with  seats  in  it  just  opposite  the  fireplace.  Kitchen 
is  well  equipped  for  efficient  doing  of  work.  One  entire  end 
is  devoted  to  sink  and  dressers.  Dishes  can  be  washed  and  put 
away  with  ease  and  no  extra  steps.  This  room  should  be  fin¬ 
ished  with  bright  rich  colors,  for  since  the  mistress  does'  her 

own  work  she  will  spend 
much  time  in  this  room  and 
therefore  it  should  be  as 
cheerful  and  beautiful  as  is 
possible  to  make  it.  There  is 
a  service  porch  for  the  con¬ 
venience  of  the  tradesmen,  and  the  stairway  to  the  furnace  and 
laundry  leads  out  from  the  kitchen.  Roof  should  be  made  of 
shingles  rolled  slightly  at  edges,  or,  better  still,  of  shingle  thatch. 
Sharp  corners  of  roof  are  cut  back  to  give  additional  grace.  Roof 
over  bay  window  curved  slightly  for  same  purpose.  Whole  roof 
is  practically  designed  for  shingle  thatch  and  any  other  type  of 
roof  would  lessen  the  attractiveness  of  this  charming  little  cot¬ 
tage. 


Page  Seventeen 


Country  Home  of  Stone  and  Half-Timber  Construction,  with  Loggia 


Touchstone  House  No.  12 


In  this  house  the  servants  working  and 
living  quarters  have  been  segregated  in 
most  satisfactory  manner.  Itut  one  door 
separates  their  wing  from  the  rest  of  the 
house,  yet  the  maid  wha  answers  the  bell 
does  not  have  far  to  go  to  it.  Stairway 
leads  directly  up  from  the  living  room  and 
the  archways  on  either  side  the  hreplace 
lead  to  dining  room  and  library.  A  feature 
of  this  house  is  the  position  and  design  of 
the  fireplace.  By  centralizing  the  fireplace 
it  becomes  the  axis  around  which  are  group¬ 
ed  the  main  rooms  of  the  first  floor,  giving 
each  room  a  fireplace  of  its  own  and  also  a 
chance  for  a  wall  fountain  in  the  loggia. 
Arches  leading  to  the  sun  room  are  directlv 
opposite  the  stairway.  Upstairs  are  four 


Tagc  Eighteen 


bedrooms,  two  baths,  a  sewing  room  and 
large  sleeping  porch.  Owners  room  has 
])rivate  bath  and  a  fireplace.  If  additional 
bath  is  recjuired  then  the  room  indicated  as 
sewing  room  could  be  converted  into  a  bath. 
Servant  problem  can  never  be  really  solved 
without  the  aid  of  the  architect ;  for  in  his 
hands  lies  the  power  to  arrange  rooms  so 
scientifically  that  housework  becomes  easy. 
Blue  prints  of  this  house  show  four  eleva¬ 
tions,  first  and  second  floor  plans,  basement 
and  details  of  fireplace  construction. 
Rooms  are  exceptionally  well  planned  for 
beauty  and  comfort.  House  so  substantial¬ 
ly  built  that  it  would  last  generations. 


Five-Room  Stone  Bungalow  with  Shingle-Thatch  Roof  and  Sleeping  Porch 


Touchstone  House  No.  is 

Bungalow  of  stone  designed  to  get  a  good  roof 
line.  Could  be  built  of  hollow  tile  or  brick 
where  stone  is  scarce.  Floor  plan  condensed  in 
order  to  get  rooms  so  arranged  that  house  work 
becomes  easy.  Living  and  dining  room  are 
practically  one,  a  plan  always  good  in  a  small 
house.  Kitchen  complete  and  pleasant  to  work 
in.  Dresser  for  dishes  is  near  the  dining  room  to 
lessen  number  of  steps  needed  to  set  the  table. 
Shelves  of  pantry  to  go  from  floor  to  ceiling  ex¬ 
cept  where  ice  box  stands.  Range  is  on  inner 
wall  and  sink  beneath  windows.  Edge  of  roof 
should  be  rolled  a  little  to  soften  it.  Chimney 
flues  are  of  dift'erent  heights  just  to  add  a  note 
of  informality.  House  should  be  fitted  into  the 
ground  so  that  it  looks  as  though  it  rises  from  it 
and  a  rock  garden  planted  about  it.  Be,st  situa¬ 
tion  for  this  house  wouUl  be  up  on  crest  of  gentle 
hill,  witli  stones  grouped  about  it  in  natural 
position.  Roof  rolled  at  edges,  of  shingle  thatch. 
Full  information  about  laying  of  shingle  thatch 
roof  given  upon  request.  Such  roof  is  practical 
as  well  as  picturesque.  Can  be  colored  by  use  of 
stain,  which  should  be  fire-resisting.  Stones  can 


be  laid  in  even  or  uneven  courses  using 
dark  or  light  cement  for  joints.  If  stones 
are  grey,  all  exposed  woodwork  should  be 
stained  grey  or  green ;  if  red  or  brown  pre¬ 
dominates  in  the  stone,  the  exposed  wood¬ 
work  should  be  stained  brown.  The  entire 
hottse  could  be  kept  in  tones  of  stone-grey 
or  grey-green  to  advantage.  Blue  prints 
show  four  elevations,  floor  plans  and  de¬ 
tails.  Heating  plant  and  laundry  in  base¬ 
ment.  Full  information  given  on  request. 


Colonial  House  with  Hall  on  One  Side  and  Ideal  Floor  Plan 


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Touchstone  House  No.  14 


serves  to  keep  out  odors  of  cooking.  Cellar  door 
is  near  the  kitchen.  Upstairs  are  four  bedrooms, 
small  sewing  room  and  bath  besides  the  maid’s  room 
and  bath.  If  the  mistress  of  the  house  wishes  to  do 
her  own  work,  the  maid’s  bath  could  be  omitted  and 
a  large  bedroom  gained.  Deck  of  sunroom  forms 
excellent  place  for  sunning  blankets  or  could  be 
converted  into  small  roof  garden  to  good  effect. 
House  should  be  furnished  with  Colonial  furniture. 
Old  copies  can  now  be  had  faithfully  reproduced  at 
moderate  cost. 


through  the  center  as  shown  in  Touchstone  House 
No.  3.  Position  of  hall  gives  a  living  room  at  the 
right,  with  a  dining  room  opening  from  it.  Sun 
room  can  be  omitted  or  converted  into  small  con¬ 
servatory.  Kitchen  has  been  planned  for  efficient 
working.  It  has  its  own  service  porch.  Pantry 
is  between  kitchen  and  dining  room  which  is  not 
only  convenient  as  far  as  work  is  concerned  but 

Page  Tzventy 


Hollow  Tile  and  Concrete  House  with  Floor  Plan  Well  Designed  for  Comfort 


Touchstone  House  No.  17 

ira®i 


his  house  is  a  bungalow  as  far  as  completeness  of  first 
floor  plan  is  concerned,  but  roof  was  raised  to  get  better 
lines  which  made  room  for  a  bedroom,  bath  and  storage 
room  in  the  second  story.  A  novel  feature  is  position  of 
hall,  which  has  been  introduced  in  such  a  way  that  it  not 
only  leads  directly  to  the  living  room,  but  through  its 
large  group  of  windows  permits  light  to  flood  into  the 
dining  room.  Large  glass  doors  or  portieres  could  be 

This  hall  also  forms 


glass 

hung  between  dining  room  and  hall. 


normal  passageway  into 
kitchen  and  main  body  of 
house,  where  bedrooms  and 
bath  have  been  placed.  Thus 
three  distinct  divisions  of 
house  have  been  created. 
Kitchen  and  maid’s  room 
completely  separated  from 
rest  of  house.  Roof  should 
be  shingle  thatch  if  possible. 
Shingles'  should  be  stained 
with  weather  proof  materials. 


Paqe  Tiuenty-One 


Servantless  Cottage  of  Metal  Lath  and  Stucco  for  Suburban  Lot 


Touchstone  House  No.  ifi 


wo-room  bungalow  for  woman  who  prefer 
a  house  without  stairs.  The  living  and  dining 
rooms  are  separated  and  two  bedrooms  given 
quietness  by  placing  them  on  opposite  side  of 
hall  from  living  room.  Bathroom  and  kitchen 
centered  to  save  cost  of  plumbing.  Each  room 
is  provided  with  closets  and  large  windows'. 


There  is  a  coat  closet  near  the  front  door  and 
place  for  a  seat  at  the  end  of  the  porch.  There 
is  a  storage  pantry  near  the  kitchen  and  a  service 
porch.  House  is  of  shingles  which  could  be 
bitten  a  lovely  soft  gray  if  built  down  on  the 
sand  dunes  or  stained  brown  if  built  among  the 
trees.  Roof  could  be  mossy  green  if  built  inland. 
Chimney  could  be  of  brick  or  of  stone  according 
to  which  material  was  most  convenient. 


Page  Twenty-Tivo 


House  without  Stairs  of  Five  Rooms,  for  Narrow  Lot 


Touchstone  House  No.  i6 


should  be  informal,  preferably  of  local 
material.  Vines  should  be  grown  on  lat¬ 
tice  close  to  but  separated  from  the  house 
to  prevent  wood  decay.  Layout  for  gar¬ 
den  and  information  as  to  planting  will 
be  given  upon  request. 


A  two-bedroom  house  with  living  ami  dining  room 
in  one,  to  be  built  of  metal  lath  or  hollow  tile  and 
stucco.  To  give  the  best  line  possible  in  a  little  bouse, 
the  roof  has  been  brought  down  over  a  small  porch 
thus  gaining  breadth  and  dignity.  Kitchen  is  well 
supplied  with  dressers.  Ice  box  is  in  the  pantry.  Stair¬ 
way  has  been  placed  in  back  of  hall  to  save  cost  of 
construction,  to  give  picturesque  feature  and  form  con¬ 
venient  artery  from  kitchen  to  the  front  door.  Up¬ 
stairs  are  two  bedrooms,  a  hall  and  a  small  sewing 
room  that  could  be  connected  with  one  of  the  bed¬ 
rooms  and  thus  form  a  recess  or  child’s  sleeping  room. 

1  dumbing  of  kitchen  and  bathroom  centered  to  save 
the  cost  of  building.  Cottage  should  be  tinted  a  light 
grey  by  use  of  acids  if  house  is  built  on  seashore,  and  ' 
stained  brown  with  green  roof  if  built  in  the  woods.  A 
small  house  should  be  as  inconspicuous  as  possible, 
all  contrasts  are  to  be  avoided.  Blue  prints  show  four 
elevations,  floor  plans  and  details.  Heating  plant  and 
laundry  are  to  be  located  in  basement  if  house  is  de- 
^igned  as  winter  quarters.  The  chimneys  may  be  made 
of  brick  or  stone  or  cement  according  to  the  material 
which  is  most  accessible.  There  is  a  chance  for  outdoor 
fireplace  in  back  of  chimney  that  has  opening  in  living 
room.  Pergola  awning  could  be  constructed  over  out¬ 
door  fireplace  if  desired.  All  planting  about  the  house 


Page  Tzeenty-Three 


Small  County  House  Planned  for  Woman  Who  Does  Her  Own  House  Work 


Touchstone  House  No.  i8 


Servantless  house  of  one  story  with  interesting  treat¬ 
ment  of  dining,  living  room  and  porch.  Every  house 
should  have  a  garden  but  often  lot  is  too  small  for  a  large 
one.  This  plan  gives  the  garden  vista  across  diagonally, 
which  increases  its  apparent  size.  On  entering  the  foyer 


hall  view  is  had  through  glass 
doors  leading  to  porch,  out  to  gar¬ 
den,  across  lawn  to  pergola  at  far 
corner.  To  left  of  foyer  is  hall¬ 
way  leading  to  two  bedrooms  and 
kitchen.  A  fireplace  is  in  living 
room  for  every  house  should  have 
an  open  fire.  Heating  plant, is  in 
basement.  House  to  be  budt  of 
shingles  or  clapboards,  painted  or 
stained  as  builder  prefers.  Sketch 
shows  that  the  garden  at  the  back 
of  house  is  raised  a  trifle  above  the 
front.  This  not  only  gives  impor¬ 
tance  to  the  more  formal  portion 
but  permits  the  use  of  grass  steps 
which  are  always  picturesque. 
Complete  blue  prints  ready  to  put 
into  the  hands  of  the  builder  show 
details  of  construction.  Sugges¬ 
tions  for  garden  are  sent  upon  re¬ 
quest.  Help  also  will  be  given  as 
to  the  best  paints,  varnishes,  heat¬ 
ing  plants,  plumbing,  in  fact  every¬ 
thing  that  goes  into  the  building 
are,  if  asked  for,  furnished  with 
the  house. 


Page  Twenty-Four 


Stucco  and  Stone  House  Designed  for  a  Side  Hill 


Touchstone  House  No.  ig 


I 

Many  of  the  choicest  suburban 
lots  are  upon  a  hillside  and  this 
house  of  stucco  and  stone  was 
designed  especially  for  such  a 
situation.  However  it  would 
look  just  as  well  on  a  level  lot. 
The  foundation  of  field  stone 
should  be  built  up  irregularly 
from  the  ground  and  the  stucco 
of  the  house  walls  should  also 
join  the  stone  irregularly.  Thus 
the  house  would  seem  to  grow 
out  of  the  ground.  The  two 
bedrooms  and  bath  are  separated 
from  main  house  by  hall  which 
gives  seclusion.  Dining  room 
and  living  room  could  be  thrown 
into  one  by  omitting  partitions. 
Kitchen  complete  in  every  de¬ 
tail.  Passageway  leads  to  the 
maid’s  room  so  she  will  not 
have  to  enter  directly  from 
kitchen.  Roof  is  of  shingles. 
This  should  be  stained  moss 


•nNiNaTOM- 

IV- fc',  It-f 


•KITCHtMl 


green  if  stones  are 
brown  and  grey  if 
stonework  is  grey. 
If  modern  rich  color 
is  required,  it  can  be 
introduced  by  row  of 
tile  about  the  win¬ 
dows  and  along  the 
top  of  stone  retaining 
wall. 


Page  Twenty-Five 


Tapestry  Brick  House  for  a  Level  Lot  with  Practical  Floor  Plan 


'J'ouchstone  House  No.  20 


separated  by  pantry.  Breakfast  room  close  to 
dining  room.  The  maid’s  porch,  at  front  of 
house,  balances  design  of  silhouette.  Brick  can 
be  rough  or  pressed,  in  autumn  shades  of  bronzes 

and  reds,  or  cream  color. 
Suggestions  for  laying  of 
bonds  given  with  set  of 
plans  if  requested.  All 
possible  help  to  prospective 
builder  given  if  needed. 
Roof  of  wood,  asbestos, 
composition,  slate  or  tile. 


,  o* 


T, 


wo  story  house  of  brick 
for  a  level  lot.  Entrance 
floor  should  be  made  of 
same  brick  as  house  or 
(lull  red  or  green  square 
tiles.  Working  and  living 
sections  of  house  radiate 
from  a  central  hall.  Porch 
to  be  enclosed  for  winter 
sunroom  if  desired.  Maid’s 
suite  in  a  wing  to  itself. 
Kitchen  and  dining  room 


Page  Twenty-.Six 


House  and  Garage  of  Stucco  Designed  for  a  Fifty  Foot  Lot 


Touchstone  House  No.  21 


JL  Ian  for  a  house  and  garage  of  stucco  to  be  erected  on 
fifty  foot  lot.  Good  roof  line  is  gained  by  setting 
garage  far  back.  Driver  of  car  can  enter  house  through 
kitchen  porch.  First  floor  shows  living  room  with  fire¬ 
place,  dining  room  and 
dining  porch  which  cati  be 
enclosed  or  not  as  you  de¬ 
sire.  LTpstairs  are  three 
bedrooms  and  sleeping 


porch  besides  the 
bath.  Third  story  is 
large  attic.  House  de¬ 
signed  for  servantless 
one.  but  maid 
could  use  third 
storv. 


Page  Ttventy-Seven 


Two-Story  House  of  Field  Stone  for  a  Small  Family 


Small  servantless  house  of  stone.  Beautiful, 
durable  and  inexpensive  in  a  region  where 
stone  is  abundant.  '  Entrance  is  through  a 
charmingly  hooded  doorway.  At  right  is 
stairway  which  leads  to  second  story.  Living 
room  and  dining  room  in  one  with  large  fire¬ 
place.  Pantry  between  kitchen  and  dining 
room.  Range  using  central  chimney.  Icebox 
in  corner  nearest  entry.  Coat  closet  in  hall. 
Upstairs  are  three  bedrooms,  bath  and  sleep¬ 
ing  porch.  Roof  has  been  lifted  in  graceful 
curve  over  windows  to  break  severity. 
House  would  be  much  more  attractive  if  roof 


was  of  shingle  thatch.  If  stones  of  house 
show  predominating  tones  of  grey,  roof  and 
all  exposed  woodwork  could  be  stained  grey. 
If  stone  shows  reddish  tones  roof  should  be 
stained  to  match.  Gateway  to  kitchen  to  be 
made  according  to  design,  that  is,  as  an  in¬ 
tegral  part  of  the  house  with  a  wall  leading 
^  out  from  it  and  enclosing  a  garden.  This 
"gives  greater  apparent  size  as  well  as  an  in- 
,  teresting  note  of  detail.  Windows  are  placed 
for  external  symmetry  and  to  give  wall  space 
within  for  best  airrangement  of  furniture. 
Terrace  of  flat  flagstones  could  be  made  at  the 
back  along  line  of  kitchen  to  edge  of  porch. 


Page  Twenty-Eight 


Workingman’s  Cottage  Convertable  into  a  Two  Unit-House 


Touchstone  House  No. 

orking  man’s  cottage,  Dutch  Colonial  in 
type,  easily  convertable  into  a  two-unit  house 
by  joining  to  the  end.  This  brings  kitchen 
plumbing  together,  which  saves  cost  of  con¬ 
struction.  Upstairs  are  two  bedrooms  and  a 
bath.  Bath  is  over  kitchen  which  is  economical 
point  in  building.  Kitchen  unusually  large 
for  so  small  a  house,  but  gives  chance  for 
breakfast  table  if  desired.  Service  entry  at  the 
back  of  the  house.  This  house  should  be  paint¬ 


ed  white  with  green  roof,  green  lattice  over 
door  and  green  shutters  if  desired.  By  convert¬ 
ing  this  house  into  a  two  unit  house  the  appear¬ 
ance  of  it  would  be  greatly  improved  because 
it  was  designed  primarily  for  a  double  house. 
As  it  now  stands  it  would  look  too  tall  for  its 
base  if  it  were  not  for  the  skillful  sweep  of  the 
roof.  It  should  be  made  of  shingles,  though  if 
expense  be  a  vital  matter  it  could  be  construct¬ 
ed  of  clapboards.  Laundry  could  be  located 
in  basement,  if  desired,  and  this  room  used  as 

a  breakfast  nook, 
or  even  as  a  large 
storage  pantry  if 
this  was  necessary. 
It  would  also 
make  a  convenient 
washup  for  the 
working  men.  Blue 
prints  are  ready  to 
put  into  the  hands 
of  the  builder. 
Consult  the  archi¬ 
tect  as  to  materials 

O* 


Page  Twenty-Nine 


Two-Family  Workingman’s  House  of  Metal  Lath  and  Stucco 


Touchstone  House  No,  24 


metal  lath  and  stucco.  Chimneys  and 
closets  arranged  in  the  center  of  the  house 
so  that  they  form  a  sound  proof  wall.  Sit¬ 
ting  rooms  placed  as  far  apart  as  possible. 
Entrance  to  the  porch  can  be  concealed 
with  planting  of  evergreens.  Wall  between 
two  front  porches  adds  to  privacy.  Stucco 
should  be  stained  slightly  and  roof  shingled 


mossy  green  or  peacock  blue.  Over  each 
unit  is  a  place  for  storage.  Though  small 
the  house  is  complete  and  could  be  built  at 
slight  cost.  By  setting  such  a  house  in  dif¬ 
ferent  ways  on  a  lot,  a  whole  street  of  them 
could  be  made  without  a  monotonous  result. 
A  two-family  house  is  an  economical  form 
of  construction,  and  in  this  case,  real 
privacy  is  gained  by  position  of  porches. 
Group  of  evergreens  between  two  porches 
would  more  completely  shut  houses  apart. 


Page  Thirty 


Mountain  Bungalow  of  Wood  with  Sleeping  Niches  for  Extra  Guests 


Touchstone  House  No. 


Bungalow  for  a  summer  camp  to  be  built  at  lowest 
possible  cost.  Can  be  m^ade  of  clapboard  or  shingles. 
Would  look  much  better  built  of  logs.  Feature  of 
the  house  is  living  room  with  three  sides  facing  dif¬ 
ferent  directions  in  order  to  get  full  benefit  of  view. 
On  each  side  of  living  room  is  a  nook  large  enough 
for  a  couch-bed.  Could  be  closed  with  curtains 
during  the  day  or,  when  supplied  with  pillows  form 
decorative  color  scheme  of  the  room.  Windows  in 
each  nook  provide  cross-ventilation.  Porch  large 
enough  for  extra  cots  if  desired.  Bedroom  and 
bathroom  separated  from  main  rooms  by  small  hall. 
Kitchen  designed  for  easy  working.  Large  storage 
room  for  extra  supplies.  If  built  of  logs  this  house 
would  make  cozy  appearance.  Logs  should  be 
peeled  and  well-seasoned  before  using.  The  two 
sides  of  the  logs  which  come  together  should  be 
adzed  to  make  tighter  joint.  Caulking  should  be  of 
cement  instead  of  clay.  Blue  prints  show  four 
elevations,  floor  plans  and  sheet  of  details. 


Page  Thirty-One 


Duplex  Studio-Home  with  Kitchenette  Dining  Nook  and  Bath 


Touchstone  House  No.  26 


D  uplex  studio  with  great  north  light.  Kitchenette  back 
of  fireplace  and  dining  nook.  Bedroom  and  bath  reached 
by  a  stairway  leading  out  of  studio  which  gives  picture¬ 
sque  design  to  the  room.  Porch  could  be  extended  length 

of  house  if  desired  and 
window  beneath  balcony 
converted  into  a  door.  This 
would  form  pleasant  home 
for  any  craftworker.  The 
building  is  so  simple  that 
with  the  help  of  a  set  of 
blue  prints  this  studio 
could  be  constructed  with 
almost  no  help  from  pro¬ 
fessionals.  If  desired  as  a 
permanent  all-year  home, 
heating  plant  could  be  in¬ 
stalled  in  basement.  The 
fireplace  is  sufficient  for 
summer  and  fall  months. 
Would  be  most  attractive 


70XCH* 


if  brilliant  color  were  introduced  on  the  outside  as  well 
as  inside  the  house.  This  studio  could  be  built  of 
shingles  or  clapboards,  it  could  even  be  developed  in 
stucco  or  metal  lath.  Interior  could  be  finished  with 
building  board  if  expense  be  an  item  of  consideration. 
Fireplace  could  be  of  stone,  brick  or  bright  tile. 


Page  T h  irty- Tu'_o 


i 


Touchstone  Shop-Home  No.  sy 


Shop-home  designed  with 
special  view  to  need  of 
returned  soldiers  disabled 
in  the  war.  Most  inex¬ 
pensive  type  of  construc¬ 
tion.  Designed  for  nar¬ 
row  lot.  Chance  for  drive¬ 
way  at  one  side,  by  which 
material  such  as  lumber, 
could  be  taken  to  the  shop 
situated  at  back  of  house. 
Living  and  dining  room  in 
one.  If  shop  is  not  wanted, 
it  could  be  converted  into  a 
dining  room.  The  same 
number  of  rooms  if  built 
on  one  floor  would  be  much 
more  expensive.  The  bed¬ 
rooms  were  placed  above 
living  rooms  in  order  to 
save  cost  of  building.  A 
more  interesting  roofline  is 
gained  by  lifting  peak,  thus 
giving  large  storage  place. 


j 

i 


I 


House  with  Small  Shop  in  Front  for  Men  Who  Work  at  Home 


Touchstone  Shop-Home  No.  28 


A  shop-home  for  returned  soldier  or  any 
man  who  works  at  home.  Shop  at  front  of 
house  with  large  windows  in  which  wares 
could  be  displayed.  Could  be  built  near  a 
highway  and  serve  as  florist  shop.  Weavers, 
basket-makers,  potters,  or  in  fact  any  craft- 
workers  would  find  this  a  practical,  inex¬ 
pensive  house.  Shop  could  be  converted  into 
an  office  or  living  room  as  desired.  If  this 
house  be  made  of  shingles  they  could  be 
stained  brown  or  bitten  with  acids  to  a  soft 
gray.  There  is  a  store  room  reached  by  a  nar¬ 
row  stairway  and  coat  closet  by  the  vestibule 
door.  Economical  construction  was  the  ideal 
in  designing  this  house.  Interior  fumishings 
should  be  few  as  possible,  good  in  quality, 
simple  in  design.  All  hangings  should  be 
washable  with  bright,  cheerful  colors  every¬ 
where.  With  the  house  plans  we  furnish  ad¬ 
vice  on  all  details  of  exterior  and  interior  of 
the  house  to  whoever  cares  to  ask  for  it. 
Though  small  this  house  has  an  atmosphere  of 
home  which  could  be  enhanced  by  planting 
of  flowers  about  its  base  and  vines  over  the 
porch. 


»z.  -  o 


Picturesque  Stone  House  of  Great  Dignity  and  Efficient  Floor  Plan 


Touchstone  House  No.  2g 


vate  bath  and 
dressing  room. 
Large  fireplace 
in  living  room 
and  chimney  of 
kitchen  g  i  v  e 
balance  to  house 
design.  Rooms 
large,-  s  u  n  n  y 
well  ventilated, 
giving  sense  of 
space  and  home 
comfort.  Floor 
plan  condensed 
and  practical  in 
extreme. 


I~I  o  u  s  e  of 
stone  with 
broad  base  and 
graceful  roof¬ 
lines.  Floor 
plan  of  great 
practicality.  No 
waste  spaces. 
Every  bedroom 
supplied  with 
closets.  Owner’s 
room  with  pri- 


Page  Thirty-Five 


Servantless  Cottage  of  Five  Rooms  and  Living  Porch 


Touchstone  House  No.  sqr 


Small  stucco  cottage  furnishing  maximum  of 
comfort  and  beauty  for  minimum  of  price. 
Recessed  entrance  leads  to  hall,  on  right  of  which 
is  living  room  supplied  with  corner  fireplace. 
Graceful  sweep  of  roof  gained  by  adding  sun- 
porch  at  rear  of  house.  Hooded  entrance  adds 


notes  of  interest  and  design.  There  are  two 
bedrooms  upstairs,  and  a  bath  over  kitchen  which 
saves  cost  of  plumbing.  Large  closets  in  each 
bedroom  and  a  coat  closet  in  front  hall  by  the 
stairway.  Kitchen  entrance  is  through  side  door 
into  rear  hall  as  well  as  through  a  service  porch 
on  garden  side. 


Page  Thirty-Six 


Log  Cabin  for  Summer  or  Winter  Living  with  Out  Door  Living  Room 


B 


ungalow  of  peeled  logs  for  summer 
or  winter  living.  Large  porch  serves 
as  outdoor  living  room.  Kitchen  at 
left  with  bath  nearby  to  save  cost  of 
construction  and  plumbing.  Small 
hallway  leads  to  bedrooms  at  rear  of 
house  which  gives  seclusion  so  much 
needed  for  informal  house  of  this 
type.  House  should  be  given  stone 
or  concrete  foundation  to  prevent  de¬ 
cay  of  logs.  Sides  of  logs  should  be 
adzed  where  they  come  together  and 
chinking  done 
with  clay  or 
concrete.  One 
difficulty  in  de-  T 
signing  a  log 
cabin  is  to  get 
short  enough 
logs.  Hence 
front  of  living 
room  was  made 
octagonal. 


T 


•mXOOH' 

to  ft*.  5*. a* 

•m-TOOK*  ^ 

Cio^ 


m-xooM 

ib'-o'.  ir-o* 


'SATH- 


Cuo» 


•KITCWLM- 

lo-oV  <to' 


‘TkiiKSl- 


uvma-xooM 


Space  between 
windows  also 
was  carefully 
considered.  In¬ 
terior  of  this 
house  should 
show  exposed 
logs,  oiled  or 
varnished. 
Wrought  -  iron 
fixtures  and 
rustic  furniture 
should  be  used 
with  bright  col¬ 
or  in  hangings. 


•TOXCH 

Ju-o'b  iX'OT 


Page  Thirty-Seven 


o* 


Cottage  For  Woman  Who  Prefers  to  Do  without  a  Servant 


S  ummer  camp  of  most  inexpensive  form  of 
construction.  Suitable  also  for  village  home  the 
year  round.  To  be  heated  from  basement.  Two 
bedrooms  on  the  first  floor,  so  upper  part  of 
house  could  be  closed  away,  if  desired.  Fire¬ 


place  with  stone  chimney  in  living  room..  Porch 
across  the  entire  front  of  house.  Could  be  built 
of  clapboards.  If  built  in  the  woods,  house 
should  be  given  coat  of  brown  stain  which  pre¬ 
serves  wood  and  is  partly  fireproof.  If  built  on 
beach,  house  should  be  bitten  grey  with  acid. 
Full  information  upon  request. 


Stucco  House  with  Shingle  Roof,  Economical  to  Build  and  a  Good  Investment 


Touchstone  House  No.  33 

Stucco  on  wire,  metal  lath, 
frame  construction,  forms  an  eco¬ 
nomical  yet  practical  building. 
Roof  of  shingles  or  asbestos.  Ser¬ 
vantless  house  with  fine  floor  plans. 
Sunroom  at  end  of  living  room. 
Terrace  at  back  to  be  extended  to 
end  of  sunroom.  Kitchen  supplied 
with  breakfast  nook  which  saves 


many  steps  for  the  housewife. 
Pantry  equipped  with  sink  and 
many  shelves  between  dining  room 
and  kitchen.  Upstairs  three  bed¬ 
rooms  with  sleeping  porch,  bath 
and  sewing  room.  Lattice  over 
front  door  gives  chance  for  vines. 
Practical  floor  plans  lessen  need 
of  maid.  Rooms  arranged  to  make 
housework  easy. 


Page  Thirty-Nine 


Picturesque  Bungalow  on  Spanish  Lines  Suitable  for  East  or  West 


Touchstone  House  No.  34 


JlJ  ungalow  of  hollow  tile  with  tile  roof.  Living,  working  and 
sleeping  sections  of  house  divided  for  sake  of  convenience  and 
privacy.  Fireplace  in  corner  of  living  room  with  flue  for 

kitchen  range.  Service  porch  for  kitchen. 
Terrace  to  be  extended  to  form  outdoor 
living  room  and  furnished  with  painted 
furniture,  fountain  and  trees  in  jars.  Floor 
should  be  of  hardwood,  furniture  of  the 

simplest  and 
all  hangings 
of  rich  bright 
colors.  Color 
also  can  be 
introduced  on 
outside  of 
house  to  best 
advantag  e . 
R  a  i.ling  0  f 
porch  to  be 
of  iron  or 
wood.  Top 
o  f  chimney 
as  illustrated 
to  have  it 
Spanish  type. 


Page  Forty 


Brick  Homestead  in  Shades  of  Brown  v/ith  Brown  Woodwork 


Touchstone  House  No.  35 


H. 


-ouse  of  pressed  or  tapestry 
brick.  Back  elevation  interesting 
as  the  front.  Terrace  at  the  back 
forms  outdoor  living  room.  Pan¬ 
try  separates  kitchen  and  dining 
room.  Stairway  to  furnace  and 
laundry  leads  out  of  kitchen.  Up¬ 
stairs  three  bedrooms,  sewing 
room,  sleeping  porch  and  bath  be¬ 


sides  the  maid’s  room.  If  brick  are 
in  shades  of  autumn  browns  then 
the  woodwork  should  be  stained 
same  brown.  Roof  can  be  of  wood 
shingles  stained  brown  or  green  or 
it  could  be  made  of  slate.  This 
house  has  been  built  of  stone  work¬ 
ed  out  to  advantage.  Blue  prints 
are  ready  to  put  in  hands  of  builder. 

Page  Forty-One 


Garden  Entrance  of  House  Built  of  Fieldstone,  Cement  and  Wood 


i 

Touchstone  House  No.  36 


ing 

ture  and  color.  De¬ 
signed  to  satisfy 
American  desire  for 
seclusion  through  use 
of  walled  garden. 
Kitchen  with  break¬ 
fast  nook  which 


serves  as  dining  room 
for  maid,  if  desired. 
Upstairs  are  three 
bedrooms  and  bath 
besides  maid’s  room 
and  her  bath  separ¬ 
ated  from  the  main 
house  by  a  back  hall. 
Garden  desijgns  \can 
be  provided  as  w'ell 
as  blue  prints  of  this 
house,  And  free  in¬ 
formation  given  on 
any  detail  of  building 
construction  or  in¬ 
terior  decorating. 


K])  EOT  li. 
j-f'  rr 


Page  Forty-Tu'o 


Country  Home,  Designed  for  a  Corner  Lot:  Interesting  Roof  Line 


Touchstone  House  No.sj 

country  home  designed  to  face  the  east  or 
to  be  built  on  a  corner  lot.  Metal  lath  and 
stucco,  tinted,  with  a  roof  of  shingle  or  tile. 
Wings  give  perfect  ventilation  and  in¬ 
crease  the  apparent  size  of  the  house. 
Dining  nook  with  large  group  of  win¬ 


dows  assures  sunlight. 
Kitchen  practical  in 
every  detail.  Maid’s 
quarters  separate 
from  rest  of  house. 
Living  room  with 
large  bay  and  many 
windows  to  face  the 
garden.  Fireplace  at 
opposite  end  of  room. 


Detail  of  finish  inside 
and  outside  the  house, 
suggestions  for  furn¬ 
ishing  and  color 
schemes  igiven  upon 
request.  Information 
about  heating  plants, 
])lumbing,  roofing, 
stains,  paints,  varnish 
will  be  given  for  the 
asking. 


Page  Forty-Three 


Small  Stone  House  with  a  Sense  of  Space,  Built  tc  Last  for  Generations 


Touchstone  House  No.  38 


S  tone  house,  beautiful  in  color,  for  a 
woman  who  prefers  to  do  her  own  house¬ 
work.  Floor  plans  show  arrangement  of 
rooms  that  could  not  be  improved  upon  for 
convenience  of  work.  Entrance  through  a 
picturesque  doorway.  Terrace  to  be  ex¬ 
tended  to  end  of  dining  room  if  desired. 


Kitchen  planned  for  efficient  working. 
Sink  beneath  windows.  Range  on  inner 
wall.  Upstairs  are  two  bedrooms  and  bath 
besides  a  sewing  room  and  large  storage 
space.  All  exposed  woodwork  should  be 
stained  instead  of  painted. 


Page  Forty-Four 


Bungalow  of  Stone  and  Stucco  with  Convenient  Floor  Plan 


Touchstone  House  No.  39 


OTUCCO  in  this  house  should  be  toned  to  harmonize 
with  stone.  By  buttressing  the  chimney  end  and  the  piers 
of  the  facade  a  sense  of  substance  is  gained  as  well  as 
charm  of  line.  Roof  can  be  made  of  wood  or  asbestos 
shingles  as  desired.  All  ex¬ 
posed  woodwork  should  be 
stained.  Living,  dining  and 
sleeping  portions  of  rooms  segre¬ 
gated.  Great  sense  of  space  is 
gained  by  position  of  living  and 
dining  room  and  cheerfulness 
achieved  by  large  groups  of  win¬ 


dows  which  let  in  sun  and 
give  view  of  garden,  in  the 
rear.  Study  could  be  con¬ 


verted  into  den  or  one  wall  omitted 
and  space  included  with  bedroom. 

Forty-Five 


Servantless  House  of  Wood  with  Living  and  Dining  Room  in  One 


Tovchstonc  House  No.  40 


S)t.]b*TOOM' 


ICLOd 


CLOA 

r 


stairs.  This  plan  had  a  woman’s 
comfort  in  mind.  Housework  can 
be  easily  done.  Because  house  is 
to  be  built  as  inexpensively  as  pos¬ 
sible  stairway  is  not  a  decorative 
feature,  but  goes  directly  up  to  sec¬ 
ond  story  from  back  of  hall,  thus 
placing  it  near  kitchen  which  makes 
it  handy  for  mistress  of  house. 
These  floor  plans  give  opportunity 
for  practical  living.  The  rooms 
are  large  and  provide  vistas  of 
home  beauty.  It  may  be  built  of 
shingles  or  clapboards  stained  with 
fire-resisting  material.  House  is 
practically  complete  in  first  floor. 


A 


two-story  servantless  house 
planned  for  easy  housework  so 


first  floor  is  com- 
Second  floor  of  two 


arranged  that 
plete  in  itself, 
bedrooms  and  sewing  room  can  be 
closed  away  for  winter.  IMany 
women  prefer  bedroom  on  ground 
floor  in  order  to  save  climbing 

Pfl.CC  Forty-Six 


Cement  Studio-Home  Designed  for  a  Side  Hill 


Touchstone  House  No.  41 


from  kitchen  entrance^  Group  of  windows  in  dining  and  living  room 
opposite  fireplace.  Upstairs  are  two  bedrooms  and  bath  and  large 
storage  room.  Roof  may  be  of  shingles,  asbestos  or  composition.  Walls 

to  be  tinted  with  sun  and  water-proof  color. 
Kitchen  features  scientifically  planned  to  make 
housework  easy.  Floors  hardwood.  Heating 
plant  and  laundry  in  basement.  Layout  of 
rooms  arranged  for  interesting  placing  of 
furniture  and  to  save  steps.  Information  can 
be  obtained  directlv  from  the  architect  on  all 


•  r)T0TA(3Tl  • 


details  of  building  construction  in  this  house. 


Otucco  house  with  large  studio  and  nook  for 
storing  of  canvases  to  be  built  on  a  side  hill. 


Could  be  adapted  to  level  lot  by  making  studio 
floor  on  same  level  with  living  room.  Plan 
shows  studio  a  few  steps  down.  Living  room 
and  studio  each  given  large  fireplace.  Kitchen 
planned  by  expert  in  housework.  Sink  be¬ 
neath  windows.  Dresser  for  dishes  at  left  of 
sink.  Range  on  inner  wall.  T.arge  storage 
closet.  Steps  into  laundry  and  furnace  room 


Page  Forfy-Sci’cii 


Small  Stone  Studio  for  Craftsman  or  Artist  with  Kitchen  and  Bath 


Touchstone  House  No.  42 

S  tone  studio  with  front  of  stucco.  Porch  three  steps  be¬ 
low  entrance  to  give  interesting  xiesign.  Colored  tile  can 
be  set  about  doorway.  Seats  built  in  at  each  end  of  porch. 
Evergreen  trees  in  bright  colored  plant  jars  could  be  set 
in  porch.  Roof  lifts  gently  over  entrance  arch.  Pillars 


1 


0 

CuqJ 

1. 

- 

^  •  X>ATH 

KITCW^ 


"ALCOVE,  •  ;  •  5>TUJi)0  • 

e'.  o".  ft’-o* 

^ 


33- o’ 


of  front  buttressed  to  add  dignity  and 
give  sense  of  permanent  strength. 
One  buttress  to  be  converted  into 
stone  seat.  Garden  wall  joins  the 
other  buttress  in  which  is  a  wall 
fountain.  A  great  window  in  the 
north.  Opposite  large  fireplace  with 
flagstone  hearth  is  alcove  with 
kitchenette  on  one  side  and  bath  on 
other.  Sleeping  quarters  are  on 
balcony  above  this  alcove.  House 
to  be  heated  in  winter  with  furnace. 
Modern  vogue  for  color  seen  in  pea¬ 
cock  blue  of  rcK>f  and  birdhouse. 
Blue  prints  show  construction  of  bal¬ 
cony  and  stair  leading  to  it.  House 
should  be  fitted  into  natural  contours 
of  hill  with  existing  boulders  left  as 
undisturbed  as  possible.  If  storage 
or  heating  basement  is  excavated 
stones  uncovered  by  excavation  could 
be  used  for  sidewalls.  Stones  can  be 
laid  with  light  or  dark  joints.  House 
would  look  best  in  tones  of  grey,  roof 
being  given  same  tint  as  predominates 
in  stones,  thus  brilliant  color  used  in 
tile  on  face  of  house  would  show  to 
better  advantage.. 


Page  Forty-Eight 


House  and  Garage  of  Hollow  Tile  for  Fifty-Foot  Lot  with  Sun  Room 


Touchstone  House  No.  43 


H 


ouse  of  hollow  tile  designed  for  a  fifty  foot  lot.  Length 
or  roof  is  gained  by  bringing  it  down  over  garage.  Garage 
is  separated  from  main  house  by  two  doors,  one  leading 

into  an  entry  which 
opens  to  basement  and 
the  other  into  the  hall. 
Thus  no  odor  of  gaso- 


oor. 


line  can  reach  the  house. 

At  end  of  living  room 
is  sunroom.  Above 
which  is  sleeping  porch. 

Dining  room  is  at  end 
of  hall.  It  is  separated 
from  kitchen  by  pantry. 

K,iltchen  fully  supplied 
with  dressers.  Coat 

closets  in  back  hall.  Dresser  for  dining  room  dishes  in  one 
end  of  pantry.  Upstairs  four  bedrooms  and  bath  well  supplied 
with  closets  and  ventilated  by  cross  draughts. 


Fl  OOP 


Page  Forty-Nine 


27- e 


Servantless  Cottage  of  Wood  with  Central  Hall  and  Large  Living  Room 


Touchstone  House  No.  44 


Simple  inexpensive  servantless  house  that  contains 
every  modern  comfort.  Smallest  possible  house 
that  could  be  built  and  gain  any  degree  of  beauty. 
To  be  made  of  shingles  or  clapboards  or  even  of 
metal  lath  and  stucco.  On  first  floor  is  a  large 
living  room  with  fireplace  on  one  side  of  the  hall 
with  dining  room  and  kitchen  on  other  side.  Coat 


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Page  Fifty 


closet  is  in  vestibule.  Doorway  at  back 
permits  view  of  garden  from  hall. 
Upstairs  are  two  bedrooms.  The  kitchen 
should  be  in  bright  light  colors.  It  has 
windows  arranged  to  secure  a  good  ven¬ 
tilation.  Though  small  this  house  does 
not  appear  so  because  its  lines  are  good 
and  distinction  has  been  given  through 
placing  of  chimney  and  overhang  of  bed¬ 
rooms. 


House  of  Gray  Stone  for  Woman  Who  Does  Her  Own  Work 


JwCH- 

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on  one  side  of  hall  has  large  hreplace. 
Dining  room  and  kitchen  across  the  had. 
Kitchen  planned  for  efihciency.  No 
useless  wearying  steps  need  be  taken 
preparing  meals.  Dish  closet  near  sink. 
Upstairs  are  three  bedrooms  and  bath 
in  addition  to  maid’s  room  which  is 
reached  by  stairway  from  kitchen  wnich 
joins  platform  of  main  stairway.  Attic 
in  third  story. 


npretentious  friendly  house  of  stone 
with  every  window  letting  in  sunlight 
and  a  floor  plan  which  considered  house¬ 
wife’s  comfort  and  convenience.  En¬ 
trance  is  through  a  porch  running  length 
of  house  which  could  serve  as  outdoor 
summer 


living  room 


Living  room 


Page  Fifty-One 


Hollow  Tile  and  Stucco  House,  with  Garage  Entered  from  the  Side 


I'ouchstone  House  No.  46 


living  room  view  is  had  into  dining 
room  and  sunroom  which  gives 
light  from  three  directions.  Space 
against  walls  for  piano  or  book 
shelves.  Rooms  have  been  segre¬ 
gated  in  order  to  make  housework 
easy.  Doorway  at  end  of  hall 
opens  into  kitchen  hall  thus  pre¬ 
venting  odors  of  cooking  reaching 
main  room.  Entire  end  of  kitchen 
given  over  to  sink  with  double 
drainboards  and  dressers.  Up¬ 
stairs  are  five  bedrooms  and  two 
baths. 


O  uburban  or  country  home  of 
hollow  tile  and  stucco.  Fine 
silhouette  gained  by  introducing 
garage  at  side  of  house.  To  com¬ 
ply  with  fire  laws  house  should  be 
built  of  hollow  tile  and  stucco  or 
brick.  It  will  be  best  built  on 
corner  lot  with  entrance  from 
garage  entering  street.  Garage  can 
be  entered  from  porch.  From 


Page  Fifty- T ivo 


House  of  Rough  or  Pressed  Brick  for  Small  Servantless  Family 


Touchstone  House  No.  4/ 

Cottage  designed  for  small  family.  Pressed 
or  rough  brick  form  walls.  Roof  of  shin¬ 
gles  stained  to  correspond  with  colored  brick. 
Floor  plan  shows  practical  consideration  for 
woman  who  does  her  own  housework.  First 
floor -plan  complete  in  itself  so  second  floor 
need  not  be  completed  unless  desired.  Kitchen 
and  dining  room  in  separate  wing.  Icebox 
to  go  in  pantry  which  is  supplied  with  sink 


CLOC>m 

cr.  ^ 

L 

and  dressers  for  dining  room 
dishes.  The  three  bedrooms 
andi  bath  separated  from  front 
of  house  by  small  hall.  Be¬ 
cause  of  the  hall  angle  and 
window  kitchen  odors  are 
prevented  from  seeping  into 
the  sleeping  quarters. 

Page  F ifty- T hrcc 


Cottage  of  Stone  with  Cement  Face  in  which  Colored  Tile  Could  be  Set 


E(xposed  woodwork  in  this  house  should  be  adzed,  to  make  it  in 
perfect  keeping  with  the  stone.  Front  wall  is  of  hollow  tile  and 
stucco  which  gives  variety  of  texture  and  a  chance  to  introduce 
color  through  use  of  tile.  Terrace  could  be  extended  several  feet 
beyond  the  eaves  of  house  and  finished  with  a  low  stone  parapet. 
Since  this  is  a  servantless  house  of  small  dimensions,  a  breakfast 

nook  has  been  introduced  in  the 
kitchen  which  would  save  the 
mistress  many  a  step.  This  nook 
would  be  a  convenient 
place  to  serve  the  children's 
lunch.  Kitchen  is  equipped 
with  labor  saving  devices 
and  each  article  placed  at 
the  correct  height.  There 
two  bedrooms  and  a 
bath  in  the  sec¬ 
ond  story.  Mod¬ 
ern  vogue  for 
color  can  be 
given  full  swing 
in  this  house  not 
only  in  color  of 
roof,  exposed  woodwork 


window  shutters  and  doors  but 
colored  tile  could  be  set  in  the  doors  or  medallions  placed 
in  the  front  wall.  This  wall  was  made  of  cement  on  pur¬ 
pose  to  give  variety  of  texture  and  opportunity  to  gain 
brilliant  color.  Window  boxes  should  be  painted  bright 
colors  and  filled  with  gay  flowers  and  placed  in  front 
of  three  upper  windows. 


Page  Fifty-Four 


House  and  Garage  with  Interesting  Sun  Room  and  Sleeping  Porch 


Touchstone  House  No.  49 


mce  so  many  peo¬ 
ple  wish  to  build  on 
a  fifty  foot  lot,  we 
are  showing  still 
another  narrow 
house.  It  is  of  hol¬ 
low  tile  and  stucco, 
roof  of  wood  or 
composition  shingles. 
Above  the  sun  room 
is  a  sleeping  porch. 
At  the  back  of 
kitchen  is  sitting 


o  r  c  h  for  maid. 
Delivery  of  kitchen 
supplies  is  Jhrough 
porch  near  garage. 
Garage  is  set  back  a 
little  and  vine  trained 
over  a  lattice  ex- 
tended  out  from 
porch,  in  order  to 
make  garage  doors 
less  conspicuous.  Ce¬ 
ment  should  be  niix- 
ed  with  color  to 
harmonize  with  roof. 

Page  Fifty-Five 


Bungalow  with  Large  Living  Room  Designed  for  a  Woman’s  Comfort 


Touchstone  House  No.  30 


T, 


his  house  was  designed  especially 
for  a  mother  and  d-aughter.  Kitchen 
is  so  placed  that  dining  room  can  be 
served  from  either  side.  Beside  the 
range  is  a  dumb-waiter  for  con¬ 
venience  in  bringing  up  the  wood  for 
the  fireplace  and  range.  Living  room 
designed  to  give  picturesque  setting 
for  grand  piano.  For  this  reason 
the  two  little  windows  on  each  side 
of  the  bay  are  high.  Mother's  room 


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1 

has  individual  dressing  room  in  which 
bath  could  be  placed.  Daughter’s 
room  on  opposite  side  of  house  so  that 
each  may  have  seclusion.  The  second 
story  can  be  left  unfinished  or  divided 
as  shown  by  plan.  Large  open  fire¬ 
place  in  living  room  and  range  in 
kitchen  are  arranged  to  use  one  chim¬ 
ney.  Careful  placing  of  mirrors  in 
living  room  gives  sense  of  space. 


50-  C>* 

Fifty-Six 


Touchstone  House  No.  51 

Servantless  house  containing  living  and  dining 
room,  kitchen,  laundry,  four  bedrooms,  hath 
and  sewing  room  beside  a  large  hall.  If  these 
rooms  were  placed  on  one  floor  the  cost  of  con¬ 
struction  would  be  greatly  increased.  Kitchen 
is  directly  back  of  fireplace  so  but  one  chimney 
is  needed.  It  is  lighted  by  two  windows  be¬ 
neath  one  of  which  is  the  sink.  There  is  a  large 


pantry  with  much  shelf  space  and  at  sink.  Small 
laundi*}^'  next  to  the  kitchen  in  which  icebox  is 
kept.  Bedrooms  upstairs,  compactly  arranged, 
?nd  windows  planned  for  purpose  of  ventilation. 
To  be  built  of  stucco  and  metal  lath  on  frame 
because  this  is  inexpensive  and  artistic  form  of 
building. 


o' 


Page  Fifty-Seven 


Buncralow  of  Stucco  and  Metal  Lath  on  Frame  for  Woman  Who  Does  Her  Own  Work 

o 


Touchstone  House  No.  52 


T 


hough  this  house  of  stucco  is  small  it  does 
not  look  so.  Combination  living  and  dining 
room  gives  sense  of  space.  Bedrooms  are  well 
separated  from  body  of  house.  Bath 
near  kitchen  to  reduce  cost  of  building. 
Stairway  to  laundry  and  furnace  reached 
from  back  hall.  Stairway  to  attic  from 
bedroom.  Porch  can  be  enclosed  if  de¬ 
sired.  Greater  apparent  size  gained,  at 
little  additional  cost  by  putting  porch  at 
end.  Stairs 


great 


the  porch  as  shown  in  plan.  Thus,  a 
outdoor  sitting  or  workroom  could  be  gained 
This  room  could  be  treated  as  a  terrace,  if 
preferred. 


lead  from  it  out 
to  garden.  Can 
be  made  attrac¬ 
tive  by  planting 
a  curtain  o  f 
vines.  If  back 
porch  facing 
garden  is  need¬ 
ed  it  would  be 
a  simple  matter 
to  extend  it  out 
from  the  kitch¬ 
en  to  the  end  of 

Page  Fifty-Eight 


Servantless  House  on  Colonial  Lines  Designed  for  Easy  House  Work 


Touchstone  House  No.  53 


I  louse  of  old  Colonial  lines  but  with  modern 
floor  plans  for  a  woman  who  does  her  own  house¬ 
work.  Hall  is  center  artery  of  the  house.  Living 
room  and  sunroom  on  the  one  side  of  hall  with 
dining  room  and  kitchen  on  the  opposite.  Ter¬ 


race  at  the  back  serves  as  outdoor  sitting  room. 
Chimneys  of  stone  or  brick.  Upstairs  are  four 
bedrooms  and  bath  conveniently  placed.  No  un¬ 
necessary  wall  space.  Stairway  leads  from  bed¬ 
room  up  to  attic.  Though  exterior  follows  old 
ideals,  interior  is  modern  in  every  respect. 


Page  Fifty-Nine 


Bungalow  with  Charming  Floor  Plan,  of  Stucco  on  Lath 


Touchstone  House  No.  54 


Inexpensive  bungalow  of  stucco  with 
charmingly  arranged  floor  plans.  In 
the  city  a  five  room  apartment  must 
be  long  and  narrow,  but  in  the  country 
rooms  can  be  grouped  more  con¬ 
veniently  as  they  are  shown  here. 
Fireplace  is  in  corner  of  living  room 
which  is  lighted  from  three  directions. 
Back  hall  leads  to  bedrooms  and 
kitchen.  From  it  is  stairway  leading 
to  basement  and  also  to  attic.  Kitchen, 
scientifically  planned,  with  sink  be¬ 
neath  window  and  range  on  inner  wall 
with  closet  for  pots  and  kettles  close 
to  it.  There  is  a  large  storeroom  and 
place  for  icebox.  A  service  porch 
makes  kitchen  delivery  easy.  The 
stucco  wall  can  be  stained  cream  color 
and  shingle  roof  brown  or  mossy 
green. 


Page  Sixty 


Log  Cabin  for  Summer  Camp  or  Home  for  Returned  Soldier 


Touchstone  House  No.  55 


T 


his  house  was  designed  for  use  by  returned 
soldiers  who  planned  to  take  up  government  land 
and  wished  to  build  their  home  of  trees  cleared 
from  the  land.  Floor  plan  is  as  for  a  farm¬ 
house,  that  is,  it  has  a 
large  kitchen  and  an 
extra  large  storage 
room.  Place  on  the 
back  porch  for  farm 
helpers  to  wash  up 
before  enterinig  dining 
room.  Large  woodshed 
under  same  roof  as 
house  for  winter  com¬ 
fort.  Could  be  used  in 
summer  time  for  serv¬ 
ing  extra  farmhands. 

The  living  quarters  of 
the  house  are  as  adapt¬ 
able  and  convenient  as 
though  planned  for  a 
surburban  village.  The 
room  has  large 


large  open  fireplace  and  the  kitchen  is  ar¬ 
ranged  for  easy  housework. 


living 


Page  Sixty-One 


Small  Summer  Camp  of  Logs  or  Home  for  Returned  Fighter 


I'ouclistone  House  No.  56 


i  his  log  cabin  designed  for  speedy  erec¬ 
tion  by  men  who  have  taken  up  Govern¬ 
ment  land  and  wish  to  make  a  home.  Can  be 
enlarged  when  desired.  Living  and  dining 
room  in  one.  Large  storage  room  for 
winter  supplies.  If  more  space  is  needed 
for  storing  seed  corn  and  potatoes  cellar 
could  be  excavated.  Logs  should  he  peeled 
and  well  seasoned  if  possible.  Farmhands 
can  use  the  porch  as  washroom.  Porch 
can  be  extended  if  desired.  Chimney  of 
stones,  brick  or  concrete.  Extra  fireplace 
in  bedroom.  Range  on  inner  wall,  using 
central  chimney.  ,  Such  a  house  serves  ex¬ 
cellently  as  a  nucleus  for  a  summer  camp, 
that  is.  sleeping  tents  could  be  pitched  all 
about  it  and  all  furniture  used  in  them 
could  he  securely  stored  in  this  house  dur¬ 
ing  the  winter.  Kitchen  is  ample  for  use 
of  large  family  and  meals  could  he  served 
out  of  doors  under  trees  or  kitchen  porch 
could  he  extended  to  accommodate  large 
number  of  diners.  If  house  is  used  for 
returned  soldier  as  we  hope,  logs  should 
he  chinked  with  concrete  to  make  it  perm¬ 
anent  and  warm.  Logs  can  he  used  from 
au}^  trees  felled  in  clearing  fields. 


J. 


' 

• 

• 

•  • 

•  0 

•  ® 

L 

. 

Ptujc  Sixty-'!' zoo 


Touchstone  Gardens 


Eloise  Roorbach,,  Garden  Editor 


T 


HE  TOUCHSTONE  Garden 
Department  will  plan  gardens  for 
Touchstone  Houses  or  for  any 
other  houses  that  require  simple 
designs  and  economical  plans. 
W  e  will  also  remodel  old  garden 
plots,  make  suggestions  for  new, 
yards,  help  you  make  a  wild 
dower  garden,  tell  what  shrubs 
and  flowers  should  be  planted  to 

attract  the  birds  and  plan  treat¬ 
ments  for  city  back-yards.  Since 
city  yards  cannot  always  be  made 
to  bloom  luxuriantly,  they  must 
bd  designed  all  the  more  careful¬ 
ly.  There  must  be  some  archi¬ 
tectural  plan  about  them. 

W^e  are  in  a  position  to  give 
our  readers  free  information  as 
to  where  to  get  the  best  seeds, 
nursery  stock,  roses,  trees  and 
garden  fittings  such  as  pergolas, 
sun  dials,  bird  baths,  wall  foun¬ 
tains,  arches,  seats,  in  fact,  every¬ 
thing  that  goes  into  the  furnish¬ 
ing  of  a  garden. 

If  you  wish  advice,  write  to  us. 
If  you  kno\v  of  something  beauti¬ 
ful,  tell  us  about  it,  so  tliat  we 
may  pass  on  the  information.  All 
our  counsel  is  free  to  subscribers, 
but  if  a  detailed  planting  is  re¬ 
quired  a  slight  fee  will  be  ciiarged. 
We  are  especially  interested  in 
])lanning  children’s  gardens  and 
city  gardens. 


Cour:esy  ol  Qorham  Co 


A 

Corner 


the 

Toiichstone 

Garden 


i 


THE 

TOUCHSTONE  MAGAZINE 

Z_Art,  cy^vsic,  The  Stage,  Fiction,  Poetry 
Education,  Homes,  Gardens  and  the  Crafts 

w  e  believe  that  the  new,  great  art  of  the  future  will  find  its  expression 
in  America. 

The  object  of  this  Magazine  is  to  help  discover  and  present  this  growth 
of  beauty  in  our  own  country.  We  want  to  publish  a  popular  art  magazine, 
and  we  believe  it  possible,  because  all  art  should  belong  to  all  the  people. 

We  want  this  Magazine  cheerfully  written,  beautifully  printed,  richly 
illustrated.  We  desire  in  the  production  of  the  Magazine  the  co-operation 
of  all  lovers  of  beauty  among  our  subscribers  and  our  contributors;  in  other 
words,  we  aim  to  make  the  Magazine  so  full  of  beauty,  so  simple  in  its 
presentation  so  fine  in  its  production,  that  it  expresses  the  life  of,  and  belongs 
in  the  home  of  all  intelligent  men  and  women. 

We  want  our  pages  to  become  an  open  forum  for  the  best  new  achieve¬ 
ment  in  Architecture,  Sculpture,  Painting,  Music,  Story  Telling,  Poetry,  the 
Making  of  Beautiful  Hom.es  and  Gardens,  and  the  Development  of  the  Crafts 
— a  Magazine  for  the  rich  and  poor,  for  the  busy  and  leisurely,  for  the  young 
and  old;  a  Magazine  that  stands  for  beauty  in  the  American  home  and  for 
everything  fine  and  new  in  America. 

MARY  FANTON  ROBERTS,  Editor.' 

$4.00  a  Year  35  Cents  a  Copy 

1  West  47th  Street,  New  York  City 


\ 


^  The  Touchstone  ^ 

*  A  Monthly  Magazine  from  which  the  plans  in 

this  book  were  taken 

\  RE  you  interested  in  House  Plans,  Garden  and  Servantless 
Homes?  Then  you  should  be  a  regular  reader  of 


The  Touchstone  Magazine 

$4.00  per  year 


Editorial  Forecast 

For  1920  THE  TOUCHSTONE  will  be  a  magazine  for  homemakers 
and  lovers  of  the  beautiful,  the  best  of  American  art,  music,  poetry 
and  fiction  will  appear.  Illustrations  will  show  the  most  progressive  and 
beautiful  art  of  the  season.  Photographs  will  be  used  of  the  great  painters 
and  singers,  sculptors  and  musicians.  Two  new  Touchstone  Houses 
will  be  presented  each  month,  always  designed  for  Beauty,  Comfort, 
Economy j  and  to  Help  Solve  the  Servant  Problem.  Gardens  new  and  old, 
large  and  small  will  be  shown,  and  gardens  will  be  planned  in  the 
Touchstone  Garden  Department  for  the  great  estates  and  little  homes. 
The  most  brilliant  fiction  of  the  year  will  appear  in  our  pages  and  poetry 
that  has  essentially  the  American  note.  The  Art  Students  Department 
will  be  enlarged  and  modern  ideas  of  homemaking  and  furnishing  will 
be  given. 

Mary  Fanton  Roberts, 

Tj^REE  advice  given  about  Building, 

^  Furnishing  and  Fitting  Touchstone 
Houses  by  the  Touchstone  Service 
Department.  -  -  -  -  - 

IF  you  wish  to  have  in  your  home  as  a  monthly  visitor  a  magazine 
which  combines  high  ideals  with  their  practical  application  all  presented 
in  the  most  beautiful  possible  way  then  you  will  want  THE  TOUCH¬ 
STONE — 35  cents  per  copy  $4.00  per  year. 

address  The  Touchstone  Magazipe 
1  W.  47th  St.,  New  York  City 


Door¬ 
way  of 
Touch¬ 
stone 
House 
No.  20 


